‘Nix All Six’ on State Constitutional Amendments or Think Critically on Each One?

The saying “nix all six” is gaining traction from ideologues on the Left who value partisan victories and power over all else. Of course, “nix the six” refers to voting against all the state constitutional amendments on the November midterm ballots. Regardless if any amendment makes sense for you, your family, or community, apparently. It’s better to “nix all six” they say rather than even pondering support for possibly just one. No need to think outside the collective, we’ve prepared this ready-made slogan for you!

One could follow the advice of activists and ideologues and be guided by a simplistic political slogan, and no doubt some will, but it doesn’t seem like a very wise and informed choice given that there are diverse and even bipartisan amendments for voters to choose from.

The Right to Hunt and Fish amendment is not controversial and will most likely have broad support from various political factions in the state. Don’t believe me? Check out the lopsided vote totals by state lawmakers.

Additionally, Florida and North Carolina are the only states in the Southeast without this language in their constitution. It has never been voted down in any state when placed on the ballot. Sure, some uber urbanized Lefties or extreme anti-firearms folks may be hostile to the amendment, but then they only reinforce its need. Just over 20 states have this language in their constitution, and more states are considering adding it.

Capping the income tax at 7 percent offers voters an opportunity to place additional constitutional limits on state government and spending. This to me is not fundamentally pro-Republican or anti-Democrat, but rather gets to the basic question about what is the role and purpose of government? It’s a detriment to our state when one party is primarily seen as more competent or responsible when it comes to managing revenue and the state budget.

While most Democrats are pushing back aggressively on Voter ID, it has broad support from the electorate, not just in North Carolina but across the nation. And when it is implemented in other states, the hysteria immediately dies down. The crisis crowd just moves on to their next pet issue.

Marsy’s Law will probably prove to have broad support from voters and it’s virtually impossible to make the case that it’s a partisan power grab or ploy to turn out the vote. It’s a victims rights bill that started in California and has been adopted by other states. Most of the money is provided by Henry T. Nicholas, whose sister was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. It will be on the 2018 ballot in five other states besides North Carolina.

Again, the larger point is “nix the six” is devoid of any critical thinking when it comes to voting on these amendments. Full disclosure: I’m probably not voting for all six but I support some of the proposed amendments and voters too should look at all six individually instead of being entrapped by a slogan for the sake of partisan politics.

Trying to make a decision about constitutional amendments from a reflexive partisan position is never a good idea. The people and political parties in power inevitably change. Constitutions are meant to be more permanent to preserve our rights and rule of law. They are meant to empower people not government. Even though the two amendments that may appear more partisan on the surface, the judicial vacancies and the state board of Ethics and Election Enforcement reform amendment, your partisan loyalties may not determine your vote. You may feel that having a weaker governor or stronger legislator is good for North Carolina no matter who holds power. Different states give different levels of power to the governor for good reasons.

Be a smarter voter than a slogan voter. That way you can offer your best vote to North Carolina instead of merely being an automaton enslaved by partisan group-think.